Newsroom > DHHS News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

August 14, 2007

CONTACTS
Judy Martin, Tobacco Free Nebraska, (402) 471-3489, judy.martin@dhhs.ne.gov or
Bill Wiley, Communications & Legislative Services, (402) 471-6585, bill.wiley@dhhs.ne.gov

Note: Sound bites on this topic are available at: http://www.dhhs.ne.gov/audio/

Lincoln – Over 1,000 people called the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline in its first year of service. The Quitline is sponsored by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health’s Tobacco Free Nebraska program.

"The toll-free Quitline gives Nebraska residents 24/7 access to tobacco cessation counseling and support services," said Dr. Joann Schaefer, the state’s Chief Medical Officer and Director of Public Health. "Numerous studies have shown that quitlines are an effective way for tobacco users to either reduce or eliminate the long-term use of tobacco." Interested persons can access the Quitline simply by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).

"Each caller is counted only once, no matter how many times they might call in," said Judy Martin, administrator of the Tobacco Free Nebraska program.

"To date, the average age of callers has been 46, and approximately 55% have been women," noted Martin. "Calls have also come in from 73 of Nebraska’s 93 counties."

Since launching in June 2006, the Quitline has averaged 50-100 new enrollees (people who sign up for counseling) each month. January 2007 saw the highest number of new enrollees at 131.

When people first call in they’re offered a range of services, including telephone counseling; self-help materials; referrals to local programs; or a mix of these. If counseling is chosen, callers are offered a brief counseling session right away, and given the option to enroll in proactive counseling … where counselors call at times that best fit the caller’s schedule. All information provided to the Quitline is confidential.

All calls are answered by trained cessation counselors at the American Cancer Society.

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